Dunno...I've seen some dogs that thoroughly enjoyed their beer. A rodeo horse or two as well.
(We're clearly high brow in Wyoming.)
I do agree that the macro level examination will yield different conclusions than a micro level. However, micro level is where my day to day life is. As for varying degrees of dependence, sure, as long as the defintion is agreed upon. The DSM-V is readily available, but it'd be hard to make a distinction per its criteria with the given sample and a non-clinical assessment.
I wasn't trying to play amateur psychoanalyst or sociologist (been years since I took classes to either discipline). Simply having the discussion, and FreeOwl didn't seem to object. If he was "attacked," I didn't feel it was in this arena.
"Always Believe!" -The Ultimate Warrior